Tomb of Anarkali Monument

Address: Tomb of Anarkali, north of Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Hours: Typically daily 9:00am-5:00pm

Admission: Small local entry fee; foreign visitors typically a nominal charge (exact fees vary)

The Tomb of Anarkali is a Mughal-era funerary monument in Lahore, Punjab, traditionally linked to the legend of Anarkali, a courtesan said to have been involved with Prince Salim. It is one of the older surviving Mughal structures in Lahore and stands within the city’s historic area.

The tomb is noted for its octagonal plan and Mughal architectural detailing, with interior spaces that historically served as a funerary chamber and an attached prayer area. Visitors come to see the structure’s masonry and to view one of Lahore’s early Mughal monuments within the urban context.

The mausoleum dates to the Mughal period and has been associated in popular tradition with the Anarkali legend involving Prince Salim. Over subsequent centuries the building has seen various uses and modifications typical of urban Mughal monuments in Lahore.

The tomb sits in Lahore city in Punjab, Pakistan, close to the Mall Road and the historic central districts. It is readily accessible from central Lahore and is embedded in the older urban fabric of the city.

• Historical association: One of Lahore’s early Mughal-era monuments, traditionally associated with the story of Anarkali and Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir).
• Urban location: Located within the urban fabric of Lahore close to the city’s historic Mall Road and old market districts, making it an accessible heritage site in the city.

What to See#

• Mausoleum: The octagonal mausoleum chamber contains the primary funerary chamber with Mughal-era architectural detailing and stonework.
• Mosque/prayer chamber: An adjoining prayer chamber and small mosque structure are attached to the tomb complex and have been used for religious purposes at different times.

The Tomb of Anarkali is in central Lahore, a short walk from Anarkali Bazaar and within easy rickshaw or taxi distance from the Walled City. Lahore’s public buses and ride-hailing services also provide convenient access.

• Visit in the morning to see the architecture in soft light and avoid the afternoon crowds at Anarkali Bazaar.
• Combine with a walk through the adjacent Anarkali Bazaar and Lahore Fort to place the tomb in its urban context.
• Hire a local guide who can explain the contested histories - the Anarkali story is half-legend and half-architectural fact.